Random Thoughts!

Spiritual

Several years ago, the Creative Center for Leadership, were resource trainers for the United Nations University / International Leadership Academy’s extended Leadership program. Before the end of their session, the Vice Rector of the University who was acting as the Director of the Academy in Jordan called for an appraisal of the trainers. The students condemned in totally the style, depth and materials of the Center, when asked, mine was at variance. I opined that we experience the British / Oxford Templeton College Team before crucifying the Americans, thanks to my Nigerian British style education and the Sheraton American Style trainings. The class judged better when the two were compared.

Nigeria’s Masses cried during Late Yaradua’s time and Kerosine and Petrol were pegged to N50 and N65 per litre, the Nigeria Police stopped collecting toll fees on the road, the Military were struggling for United Nations Missions. Why was that, because somebody spoke for the down trodden and they were considered favourably.

We have reached a very disturbing cross road and yes there is need for the iron curtains to be pieced so Presidents and their Vice can be on the same page with the electorate/masses.

How can you truly explain the reason why Fulanis who were known for grazing their cattle peacefully out of sight, now are everywhere as petty traders, tailors, motor bike riders et al, you ask them why, they tell you Cattle Robbers have stolen their cows and refused them peace in the bush. What has the Government done to return them to their status quo? Ask me. Then who are the cattle owners that the National Assembly is always talking of Graze Land or Ranch bill for? It is definitely not the poor fulani’s who now do not even have the cows to breed. From the President, who we know has cows in his asset declaration to the likes of the Governors of Ekiti and Kwara, and their likes, are the graze land seekers (not the masses) this is maybe to further galvanise more lands to a few in every nuke and crannies of Nigeria? When the poor fulanis were grazing we did not have sophisticated weapons and burning of villages, there was symbiotic coexistence with farmers allowing cattle rearers on lands needing manure. So where did all this violence come from and why now? Even the fulanis in the bush suffer kidnappings and destruction of lives and properties by these people causing havoc in our land.

The African / Nigerian Press is so muzzled that if you go counter the rulership you are made a black sheep. And because they are first a business and want to have a green bank accounts and not red; The Governors and leaders now have praise singers and not a true representation of the realities on ground.

Buhari’s getting a Christian Vice, was because he listened to suggestions. His suspension of the NIA Chief and SGF was because he listened to the out cry of his people. The Chibok Girls, Boko Haram and many others are all because he listened. But how can he hear correctly, when he is surrounded by a very thick iron curtain of the AGIP machinery of power brokers that only have their interest in front and not the electorate?

Shehu Sani suffered his persecutions and is still, they have looked for all ways possible to ground him, including suspension from Kaduna chapter of the party to no avail.

El-Zakhy Zaky, is one person I have known from my days in ABU Zaria to be a forthright person, who government monies can’t buy. The politicians go to him to canvass from votes, which his supporters give them. How do I know, all politicians do and I have also benefitted from such vote support, without which no politician can have a comfortable win, unless rigged. This man has followers in villages unexpected and he cares for the followers more than the elected governors. If you remember, when the child marrying Governor of Zamfara brought in Sharia during the Obasanjo’s tenure, El-Zahky Zaky was about an only voice that said, it wont succeed. He was criticized for being anti-Islamic. In his defence, he mentioned the insincerity of the promoters and their using it for political intent and not true religion. Was he proved right? You tell me. The same Zamfara officials were known in Abuja as the highest users of hotels and restaurants. They bring ladies in droves, shagalinku restaurant (and the like) will be fully booked at breakfast, lunch and dinner times, when the Zamfara harems come to eat. Zaria’s religious peaceful stay cannot be without the synergy of such religious leaders and the Traditional Houses in the city and the environ.

Bishop Oyedepo – who mentioned the need to defend yourself against any provocation by any group, is not unfamiliar with the antiques of persons using religion, tribe or regions to foment trouble. His Ministry was started in Kaduna and he has a very large followership in Kaduna and the North. Some of his places of worship suffered bombings like the one in Bauchi, North East.

Apostle Johnson Suleman – Who re echoed the defend yourselves song and was termed provocation. He became a target when he warned El-Rufai of the Preaching License, he wanted to enforce in kaduna State. His trouble increased when the DSS was barred from arresting him by the Governor of Ekiti and Eminent Christian Leaders Escorted him to Abuja. Getting to discredit his ministry and calling came as an aftermath.

The Emir of Zaria, who mentioned a political variance in favour of a crowned title holder (the former Governor). Demolition inside the city was to spite the Emir; Zaria and Kaduna Traditional Houses started seeing the unseen, including locking of a traditional ruler for weeks in prison custody.

While Kebbi is working with Lagos, the Central Bank and Bank of Industries amongst others to further Agricultural synergy, Zamfara is stigmatizing the people with curse instead of vaccinating and treating them against deadly diseases in the state.

I reside in a state where you hear men saying, marrying one wife is like being single. A gardener was added N5000.00 to his salary, to my surprise he added a wife, I asked why and how will he maintain them, in a chorus, i was told God will feed all who He gave mouths to. Cases abound of parents who do not know where their children sleep, eat or play and are not disturbed about that. They end up as political thugs, so the learned politicians are not bothered because their children are learning abroad and will hope the children of these masses serve their children like the parent did the fathers.

Boko Haram has not finished, it was started by politicians, Cattle rustlings is yet to be stopped, villages being ravaged and so many innocent blood lettings still abound. From the Zamfara axis to the Ile –Ife and the East every case shows an unbalance that Nigerian politicians are not ready for the truth.

In all cases people who speak or stood against some persons are placed on a pedestal of disgrace, after warning them in some cases.

The Sultan and Emir of Kano did us proud in Kaduna, because some body needs to tell them. Kaduna is the Power Seat of the North, Kaduna is home for all we accept, but the Gbagis that have suffered displacements from Zaria, Kaduna, Minna and Abuja deserve a better treatment for the kits and kins than what they are experiencing in the name of someone is in charge.

During the KADINVEST, i see the peaceful loving nature of this people, it wont happen in terrain like we are seeing in Kaduna. Kaduna for the exigencies of Politics is under the purview of the Emir of Zaria, who is the Traditional head of the State Traditional houses. The Government invited the Emir of Kano without the presence of any Traditional Ruler from Kaduna. The Sultan was invited, he stands as a Islamic Religious Leader and their was no thought of inviting a Christian Leader to also be in attendance. Am sure the likes of Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, who is the present Bishop of Sokoto would have been a good accompaniment of the Sultan (they have severally), Kukah is from Kaduna State El-Rufai was not ready for what the Bishop would have mentioned maybe.

So for many silenced mouths, in and out of prisons for saying what some politicians do not want to hear, the Emir of Kano and his likes should not stay quiet.

Now is not the time to use the usual old antiques to silence people, our politicians should be more responsive and responsible to the electorate. As electorates, we need to disturb the National Assembly to remove certain privileges leading to abuses and give the electorate the power to recall their elected officers, when they see them not responsible enough. That will keep our leaders on their toes to the needful for the enhancement of their constituents.

Let the speakers keep speaking and the silent ones should join speaking. I long to see the State Assemblies stop singing the Governors sing songs and start acting like Honourable. I long to see the State Houses call their Governors to order in especially the case of Local Government Elections, so people can feel the Government more and have easy access to the officials.

A still small voice keeps telling me that vengeance is the Lord’s He will repay. The sincere heart pains, grief and emotional pangs caused the myriad of innocent persons round the world should be a cause of concern for action and not just words. But where do we start from? It is more annoying for so many lay persons like me, when you see the same persons steering the wheels of conflict in regions, sitting on well decorated round tables with tea, coffee and snacks arguing heartlessly, where as the people they have engineered against each other are in pools of blood if not already in mass graves. The sorry state of the gullible masses used, is the agitators will always have their families far away from the trouble’s spots and then come to use other peoples’ sons, daughters, mothers and fathers for a cause only the agitators are the true benefactors.

I stand to be corrected, the true culprits behind most genocides and crisis are always never called to book. Oscar Arias, once told my class that the manufacturers, merchants and users of weapons of violence should all be held accountable for the atrocities, because if the warring parties are not armed the likelihood that the violence will escalate beyond proportions is not there. True or false, is left for you to reason, but if you visit police station cells or prisons and see criminals worshipping God, you might end up more confused, as in, if these are the same persons convicted of their crimes. The the sponsors are surprisingly persons in very high societal palaces connected through several remote channels that even the best of conflict resolvers might be playing round their evil planned schemes. You may get me wrong, forgive me, the opinion is personal, but most of battles are fought with the real merchants of war, selling the wares to both sides. It is time to look at remote causes of crisis and see how nations can proactively halt or manage uneasy calm/peace transmuting to violence. May we never resort to violence, leaving the laws of Kama to be in effect.

We all have issues, with ourselves, siblings, parent, spouses, families, neighbourhood and colleagues, but violence / ill actions should be a never mentioned thing. In Nigeria, there is saying that, even the tongue and teeth, sometimes fight, but must stay and work together to survive. As the year comes to another close, may we see peace springing with the tides all around the world.

May families displaced, migrating, in Camps or Homes / Shelters, be able to at least feel the current of Christmas with Santa Claus bringing gifts and tides of Peace.

Senator Ben Bruce has become the Nigeria’s Common Sense Politician, good some are talking realities that seem to be appreciated by the common man, whose best economy is the stomach or pocket.

This is a small thought feeder for any serious thinker. Am sure you already know most of what one will state, let is then act as a reminder of the should have, for not just Nigeria, but for the most developing nations.

I will ask some questions and look for answers from any or all that have inclusions as our way forward.

Empires, Emirates and Kingdoms at their heights, that did not prepare for their stay, only ready their fall. History from time gets us to know that it is only “He that is down, that need fear no fall”. The best and the worst of them all see their entre’ and exit as time and chance happen to all. A day to be born and a day to die or should it be for a rebirth, as born againism is not just for Judo-Christian creed this days.

America, is passing through a must watch phase, the world is entering a season of prophetic actualizations, care must be taken that we do not become the tools of doom fulfilments. Like the Good is looking for willing hands and minds, so also the bad/evil is looking for evil tools, hands and minds to use. To be a Judas Iscariot that betrayed Jesus or Peter that denied him three times is a choice selection, so also to be the marys and women that stood with Christ through out His ordeal and followed to see where He was laid, that was also choice.

Get me right here, whether Hillary or Trump, the world stage is set for a season we must all be prepared for. Yes, All Saints’ days to some is Halloween to others; while some mystics in Africa have arranged grave visits, for what? May be to resurrect the spirits of long gone heroes, for wars/battles that is in need of a this day’s hero. Correct me, if am wrong, America is a young nation compared to Egypt, the illumination needed to guide/lead America must be such that reflects the exigencies of today. Adaptations are possible, but becoming a Pharaoh, Attaturk or Atilla the Hun in todays America is close to unfruitful.

When I see african princes, returning to base for invocation of long gone spirits for modern conquests, I quiver and get the more sober. They drop their learnings and kneel before spiritual mediums/mediators for all sorts, that might be the reason why African Institutions and Ruling Houses are filled with round pegs in squared holes.

While South Africa battles with the current issues of their land, it is time for the sages there to do the needed, call up yesterdays success and build on the principles that got them that far. Bring up the dynamo of the present and synerge energies for a better South Africa (easier said, I hear you).

South Sudan should realise the forces from outside will do anything to make them fail and regret the separation from Sudan. The forces outside need internal crevices to plant their seeds of discord, disharmony and crisis for the benefit of only the perpetrators. Solutions lies from within and it is only the inhabitants that could know or trace where the roof is leaking. United Nations, African Union can only help to an extent. The solution lies with the South Sudanese, arising as one to say no to wars, let peace reign. If of the opposing leaders wants wars, let them use their children and family. They live outside the war zone and propel more violence, because they do not feel the pangs of it’s effect.

Zimbabwe, Kenya, Conga, Gamba, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Chad, Niger, Benin, Libya, Tunisia, Mali, Ethiopia, and where have you, should realise the strength in together (Unity), can never be achieved without people lowering the highs for moderated acceptable compromises. The use of forceful colonial, religious, traditional, mystical technics to make zombies of people, enslaved by a cabal for the benefit of the few, will not last long anymore. Change mantra is not just Nigerian.

Africans must like in Britain be able to stand and tell their leaders, we do not want this or that. And when the issues are decided, any person should be able to challenge the actions or inactions of their leaders.

The Nigerian scenario is confusing. A country of divers national ethnicities, brought together by the needs of the colonial lords of ages gone. Pathetic is it when your Nigerian Child, tells you he is first American before a Nigerian. Then another tells you his/her loyalty is first to Rome, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran or India before loyalty to Nigeria. Nigerians sing their National Anthem and Pledge with heart and mind, but the actual soul is tied to somewhere else before Nigeria. I still see the Independence and Christmas/End of Year Celebrations in Ghana, you see love for country, we need some of that in Nigeria.

This season, as the Sultanate, sultanizes, Lagos, Calabar and Abuja Cannibals (cannibalizes???) get ready. May we begin to think of Nigeria first, the labours of our heroes past should be a guide to ‘Oneness and Greatness’ in the context of Today and not a bring back of practices that no one will be proud to truly unveil in the light of today.

My prayer for all and above all is that, May the Almighty, Supreme, Benevolent Lord and Master, shine on all of us the true Illumination that will bring Freedom, Peace and Plenty to our Lands in ways that will enhance harmonious Sustainable Development of our World, beginning from our homes, villages and cities. Have a wonderful weekend.

Series of talks and cross talks are being debated on issues of migration, displaced persons, insurgency and the insensitivity of some governments / persons on the plight of humans, especially women/girls and children.

Suffice to say that we are increasingly realising that the different shades of grey is also increasing, as we grow old, but the truth remains that White is White and Black is Black. The dynamics of conflicts are now more terrifying than the days when the knowledge of Sages, like Atilla the Hun, Sun Z’s Art of War, Laws of Power, Art of Seduction, Prince and the likes were more or less mystic / occult knowledge passed between the illuminated privileged few. Now a set of jobless boys can borrow/purchase or download videos on almost any matter and spend time planning / strategizing with even their parents not aware of the potential actions / threats under their roofs.

I will make this piece a short one, ask me if you need further insight to my thoughts. Our own Zaria Kaduna State Alh Muttalab, that gave information on his son’s likely being a source of concern and the later arrest of the son on board an airline with an explosive device in his pants, brought so many positive / negative criticisms. Some of, íf the Father was a true adherent of his faith. Some others feared that, what happened to Gen. Shuwa in Maiduguri might happen to him also, if he is not careful and what have you.

On BBC about a week or two ago, A Cameroonian Soldier was asked about the Boko Haram Insurgents and he replied, that the Boko Haram are the people we see. They are law abiding in the daytime and turn to insurgents at night or during action. Is he correct? Ask me, but try finding our from all incidences of violence, it is neighbours and friends that turn to fiends/enemies and the destructions is with the insight of hitherto innocent fore knowledge of the targets. Try checking Burundi, Liberia, Somalia, Sudan, South Africa, Nigeria, Bosnia where ever. The insurgents go a step further to use the same children/Women(their relatives & family) some times, as in the cases of some middle east places were schools and hospitals become discreet hide out / base for attacks on oppositions.

Let us hope the Insurgence in Syria, Libya, Nigeria and other parts of the world is coming to a dying phase, what happens to the myriad of persons used by the various insurgents? These persons have gone back to their families and are now part of the very big picture of Internally displaced. The France, Paris saga led to Brussels and it had a pinch of the dastardly action when it went into action on the suspected persons. The same may be happening in Nigeria, with the too many approved / unapproved camps and no proper data of who is who, what do you expect the Boko Haram members to do? They will go back to their families and start living the Bob Marley’s run to fight another day life.

There is need to start identifying community/schools/church/mosque leaders to help identify their own and be responsible for their behaviour. Then move to returning them to their right places of abode as soon as possible. The Leadership must begin to take responsibility of their immediate communities before even the Police, Military and Government. They know their people and their behavioural tendencies. Then only can we reduce the immersion of little foxes that will later affect negatively the efforts of persons to live in peace.

Ethiopia has just gathered the crème de la crème of the African Continent, Buhari the Nigerian President went to Ethiopia through Kenya. On all the talks, we expected a talk on Judicial African issues especially the ICC, Kenya and Cote de Voire (Ivory Coast) saga.

We would have expected ECOWAS to be handling issues regarding Cote de Voire, like the Boko Haram attempts in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger. The same for the Kenyan saga. If the regional courts cannot, then the issues can be raised to the African Court of Justice.

When will Africa wake up from sleep? There is need to revisit the history books and rethink the Nubians, Noks, Carthage, Zulus and the Ancients of Africa, even as the world’s resolve to dissolve borders. African can only bargain from an angle of strength, if it comes on a platform of One Africa and not on the dissenting fragments of yester colonial divides.

Of all the Corruption, Political, religious, ethnical violence in Africa, go and look under the surface, you will find external influences from the same persons that Africans run to for judicial respite. When will we call the Europeans, Americans, Chinese, Lebanese, Indians involved in the ills of the land, to come to our African Courts and also face our judiciary? Instead of making them diplomatic issues and swept under carpets. Then only will people (not Africans) think twice before instigating our very own to carry cases to ICC and call in American, European lawyers for cases that should have been African start to finish.

If you think your national court will not give you justice, because of Government involvement, then take the case to the regional court. If the regional court refuses to hear you out, the African Court could then be approached. African Union has been so demoralised by its own members to a near silence on all issues that should have been theirs, but taken over by interfering others. Correct me, would the Libyan, Egyptian, Kenyan, Cote de Voire (Ivory Coast), cases been handled differently, if it was the absolute resolve of the African Union? A personal question for our reasoning.

Africans steal monies, and invest them in other African, Middle Eastern, Asian, European, American Countries. If the African States, can come together as one and demand, like the Jewish Representative did, for repatriation of any African stolen wealth in African, Europe, America, Asia, Middle East, Africa will turn to be the wealthiest Continent on the globe. There is need to have a United African Voice on hidden / dark treasures of Africa in Swiss Banks and the off Shore accounts and request for return, like Nigeria is doing with the Abacha funds. Let us have a return of the living and dead owners stolen funds back to land. We can, if we try, but we must first stand to try.

Politically, it is time to reduce the bargain for posts, in the European, American, Asian, Chinese and Indian Courts. Because, when the Chinese sponsor you to office, you will be made to sing their tunes, so will it be if the Indians, Europeans or Americans do the same. Africans should let their electorate truly elect worthy persons, and the winners should learn to carry the losers along, because we all have something to contribute and it is always the losers/disgruntled elements that are tempted to counter the good of the leaders.

Do not get me wrong, I am of the humble opinion, that if the Boko Harams felt the Nigerian Government did them wrong by killing the leaders, instead of becoming insurgents, they went to the ECOWAS Court and sought redress, we will not have been talking of US$2.1Billion misguided/directed funds and the colossal wastes in the North East will not have arisen.. The same is for the Biafra, Malians, Somalia’s, South Sudanese, Burkinabe’s, Libyans and Egyptians instead of going underground in Europe, America and the Middle East or Chinese for arms. Africa will have used less to resolve issues and the huge bleeding of Africa’s lean resource for arms will have been redirected to better developmental projects.

My is a plea for the Secretariat of the African Union and other Regional groupings to come out of their citadels/high towers and engage Africans on the streets, villages, rubbles of wars/crises, schools, hospitals et. al. Let Africans begin to feel Africa and know that they are covered on all fronts. May this year see African Trade increasing between African States, and African Banks, handling Afican Monies, beginning from the Central Banks of especially Franco – African States. There may be some need to return the Liberian, Kenyan, Ivorian cases back to African Courts, instead of ICC that seem to be made solely for African Leaders past and serving(present). May we see before this year ends, African Leaders, travelling to other African states, for Medical, historic or leisure tourism. As a Continent, Africa has the needed critical mass/minimum for success in any area, so why won’t we exploit it? Start from the courts? May be, it will reduce most crises that are still unborn.

My second Son, came to me one day on my arrival home from my outpost. He said ‘Daddy, Daddy’! ‘Yes El-Saleem’, I answered. ‘Where will you spend Eternity’? he asked. I was quiet for a moment, thought it through a while that looked like eternity itself. Then answered, assuring myself, ‘In heaven, my dear’’. The echoes of that question kept on for days. I had to check my archives of deeds, to make sure that anything worth sending me to hell was dealt with.

I gave my life to Christ ( as in committed my life to Christ), so many decades ago, received Baptism of Water and the Holy Spirit at different times. I have preached, sang, prayed for the sick with numerous good results. But my life was in a state, that I was sure, The Almighty, might say depart from me for I know you not.

So many people are the on wide / broadway to hell inside buildings called churches and fellowship groups. Religions and Religious people have formulated so many activities that keep us very busy doing religious business, that keeps us dogmatically far from God and His purpose for our lives. Very religious we get, but are also adulterers, fornicators, liars, lovers of self than lovers of God, Proclaiming love for God and neighbours, but cannot withstand our wives, husbands, fathers or mothers. They refused blatantly their vows (on the platter of God understands) and cohort with sinners and persons the Bible says avoid like plaque.

They have turned heaven into material, political, financial O.K. with some tithe and offering no one need to worry. Unfortunately, the tithes and offerings collected go mostly for personal aggrandisement and not for the expansion of the Kingdom (the Ekklesia, the Body of Believers, who are so Christ like and were nicknamed Christians).

They are beautiful in Churches, places of worship and also pillars in occult houses, beer parlours and brothels. They are not prostitutes, but call men, boys, girls, women, father, mothers – who have and are registering demonic altars of promiscuity in almost every place their legs step in.

God is not mocked, Whatever anybody sows, he/she will reap. If only the Clergy can save their selves, because God’s judgement will start in the Household of God and Repentantly, lead the body of Christians (the Church), … The People who are called by God’s name, to humble themselves, turn from their evil/wicked ways, repentantly and seek God in Spirit and in Truth. He has promised to Hear our cries, forgive our sins and Heal our Land. That is the manifestation of Sons, that the world has been waiting for, to receiving Healing from above, I am sure.

I will want to ask you like my son, to make your salvation a serious matter. Work it out with fear of God and trembling. And find out where you might spend Eternity. It is not verbaging the ‘’in call’’ of Christ. You must repent, renounce your sins and start walking in the Light of God’s word. This is no time for the show of words. Your fruit should glaringly tell your neighbours/family/friends that this one has turned from his/her past (evil ways) and is now like Christ.

Enough of having so many big edifices (Church buildings) with no effect on the society we live in, whereas twelve (12) disciples became city tormentors, because of the Power of Christ in them. May we who call Christ as Saviour and Lord, live Christ Resurrected Lives in our houses/homes, work and play, so we can bring sooner the return of the Risen King.